The lights will stay on at soccer fields across New York City, extending a pilot program launched during the FIFA World Cup this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday announced he will extend the NYC Open Play pilot, which let one pitch in every borough stay open overnight for 24/7 pick-up games. Instead of running all night, the program, which will take place through November this year and then return from April through September 2027, will allow games to be scheduled between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
This summer, we kept the lights on all night, every night, at five soccer fields across New York City. This was the scene at Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend, Brooklyn Tuesday night. https://t.co/52AjPYsY1E
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 17, 2026
According to the mayor, the pilot over the summer drew more than 4,500 participants across 696 field bookings.
“This summer, we proved that the people’s game will always belong to the people. Long after the sun had set, our late-night soccer fields came alive with energy and enthusiasm as nurses, students and delivery workers passed, saved and scored,” Mamdani said.
“The World Cup may be over, but our commitment to a city where every New Yorker can find joy for free continues. That is why we’re keeping the lights on at fields across the city and extending this program through next summer and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
There are five fields, one in each borough, that will be open for pickup every night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. throughout October and November and again from April through September 2027.
The fields are Harlem River Park (Manhattan), Calvert Vaux Field (Brooklyn), Astoria Park (Queens), Soundview Park (The Bronx), and Fairview Park (Staten Island).
Onsite play will be facilitated by NYC Footy. NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officers will be on site.
The participation is limited to adults 18 and older. Players can sign up as an individual or reserve a field for a team here.
In addition to the overnight soccer matches, this summer the Parks Department kept the sports lighting on for an additional hour through 11 p.m. at 50 locations.
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The post NYC extends late-night pick-up soccer at five fields first appeared on 6sqft.
